How Long to Read Philoctetes

How Long Does it Take to Read Philoctetes?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 13 minutes to read Philoctetes by Sophocles

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

Based on the conviction that only translators who write poetry themselves can properly re-create the celebrated and timeless tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, the Greek Tragedy in New Translations series offers new translations that go beyond the literal meaning of the Greek in order to evoke the poetry of the originals. Under the general editorship of Peter Burian and Alan Shapiro, each volume includes a critical introduction, commentary on the text, full stage directions, and a glossary of the mythical and geographical references in the play. En route to fight the Trojan War, the Greek army has abandoned Philoctetes, after the smell of his festering wound, mysteriously received from a snakebite at a shrine on a small island off Lemnos, makes it unbearable to keep him on ship. Ten years later, an oracle makes it clear that the war cannot be won without the assistance of Philoctetes and his famous bow, inherited from Hercules himself. Philoctetes focuses on the attempt of Neoptolemus and the hero Odysseus to persuade the bowman to sail with them to Troy. First, though, they must assuage his bitterness over having been abandoned, and then win his trust. But how should they do this--through trickery, or with the truth? To what extent do the ends justify the means? To what degree should personal integrity be compromised for the sake of public duty? These are among the questions that Sophocles puts forward in this, one of his most morally complex and penetrating plays.

How long is Philoctetes?

Philoctetes by Sophocles is 129 pages long, and a total of 33,411 words.

This makes it 44% the length of the average book. It also has 41% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Philoctetes Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 3 hours and 2 minutes to read Philoctetes aloud.

What Reading Level is Philoctetes?

Philoctetes is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Philoctetes?

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